I’m on LinkedIn on daily basis.
As one of many main networking instruments, it’s my go-to platform for connecting with the suitable folks, discovering thrilling new job alternatives, and staying within the loop on the newest trade traits. It is a useful a part of any severe skilled’s profession toolkit. The truth is, I landed my present job two years in the past, because of LinkedIn Premium.
However right here’s the query I preserve coming again to: Is LinkedIn Premium actually value it? I first tried it throughout a job hunt with the one-month free trial and lately subscribed once more to construct my private model.
LinkedIn Premium definitely guarantees lots – an AI assistant, limitless profile views, superior networking instruments, and unique job insights. It feels like a trump card for job seekers and professionals alike.
However does it ship on these guarantees? Beginning at about $30 per 30 days, it’s truthful to ask – is LinkedIn Premium value it, or is it simply one other expense that provides up?
On this article, I’ll share my private expertise with LinkedIn Premium, together with insights from over 240 G2 evaluations from professionals who’ve examined each free and premium variations.
Notice: All evaluations shared beneath are from verified G2 customers. For extra particulars on our course of to confirm reviewers and approve evaluations, please discuss with G2’s evaluate moderation tips.
LinkedIn Premium vs. Free: What does LinkedIn Premium provide?
Over one billion folks use LinkedIn as we speak. We use it to showcase our expertise, join with friends, and discover job alternatives. Whereas the free model offers the important instruments for these functions, LinkedIn Premium affords superior options tailor-made to particular skilled wants.
- Premium Profession: Targeted on job seekers and professionals aiming to develop their private model.
- Premium Enterprise: Designed for small companies seeking to broaden their networks, site visitors, and prospects and entry deeper insights for his or her enterprise web page.
Aside from these, LinkedIn additionally affords two different subscription plans tailor-made for gross sales professionals and recruiters.
- Gross sales Navigator: Constructed for salespeople in search of to generate leads and construct consumer relationships.
- Recruiter Lite: Tailor-made for recruiters and hiring managers to optimize candidate searches.
Check out this detailed comparability of the free model versus Premium plans:
|
Options |
LinkedIn Free |
Premium Profession |
Premium Enterprise |
Gross sales Navigator* |
Recruiter Lite* |
|
Who considered your profile |
Restricted to five most up-to-date viewers within the final 90 days. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now one year. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now one year. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now one year. |
All viewers and associated insights prior to now one year. |
|
InMail Credit |
None. Can solely message current connections. |
5 InMails credit |
15 InMail credit |
50 InMail credit |
30 InMail credit |
|
LinkedIn Studying |
Entry solely to free programs |
Limitless entry |
Limitless entry |
Limitless entry |
Limitless entry |
|
Personal shopping |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
|
Applicant and firm insights |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
|
AI assistants |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
Sure |
|
Best choice job |
No |
Sure |
Sure |
Not relevant |
Not relevant |
|
Search |
Restricted choice to seek for and look at profiles of different LinkedIn members |
Superior search filters to search out the suitable job postings |
Superior search filters with limitless shopping |
Superior search filters with 50+ attributes |
Superior search filters tailor-made for recruiters |
*Consists of particulars on the essential plan of Gross sales Navigator and Recruiter Lite.
Let’s give attention to the LinkedIn Premium Profession plan on this article, as they’re essentially the most related for job seekers and professionals.
For those who’re seeking to generate leads, construct consumer relationships, or streamline candidate searches, you may discover Gross sales Navigator or Recruiter Lite plans higher suited to your wants.
LinkedIn Premium value
Right here’s a breakdown of LinkedIn Premium prices for various plans:
|
Plan |
Month-to-month plan value |
Annual plan value |
|
LinkedIn Premium Profession |
$29.99 |
$239.88 ($19.99 per 30 days) |
|
LinkedIn Premium Enterprise |
$59.99 |
$539.88 ($44.99 per 30 days) |
|
LinkedIn Gross sales Navigator |
Begins at $99.99 |
Begins at $959.88 |
|
LinkedIn Recruiter Lite |
Begins at $170 |
Begins at $1680 |
LinkedIn affords a 30-day free trial for its Premium plans. You’ll want to supply fee particulars to activate the trial.
LinkedIn Premium advantages: What G2 customers like
After utilizing LinkedIn Premium extensively and analyzing suggestions from 240+ G2 evaluations, listed here are the important thing options that stand out and their advantages on your skilled profession.
1. InMail for enhanced networking
One in every of LinkedIn Premium’s most precious options is InMail messaging. It permits you to join with anybody, even when they’re exterior your community – a major improve from the free model, the place you’ll be able to solely message current connections. This makes it simpler to attain out to recruiters, trade leaders, or potential collaborators.
InMail credit on LinkedIn Premium plan
Throughout my job search, I used InMail strategically to attach with hiring managers and e mail recruiters. The consequence? Virtually 3 out of 5 responded to my messages and gave me extra details about function expectations, firm, and progress alternatives. This direct line of communication usually gave me an edge over different candidates.
Now, as a advertising skilled, I proceed to make use of InMail to succeed in out to trade specialists, fellow entrepreneurs, and thought leaders in my discipline. These conversations have led to collaborations, knowledgeable insights for my initiatives, and even mentorship relationships which have been invaluable for my profession progress.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I like the flexibility to ship InMail to recruiters and the truth that recruiters discover you and can join with you at a better charge than with a free model. It is also nice to see who checked out your profile.”
–LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Diego R.
For those who’re a job seeker, freelancer, or skilled in networking-heavy fields like gross sales and advertising, InMail is a robust device for networking, lead technology, and profession development.
2. Profile insights for higher visibility
Most LinkedIn Premium customers worth the numerous edge it offers over the free model in boosting visibility and affect on the platform by means of detailed profile insights.
With Premium, you’ll be able to view a whole listing of who has seen your profile over the previous 90 days, together with insights on how they discovered you.
LinkedIn Premium profile insights
This function was significantly invaluable throughout my job search section. It allowed me to determine corporations and hiring managers who confirmed curiosity in my profile, a profit most different job boards don’t provide.
What are G2 customers saying:
“LinkedIn Premium offers nice insights into who has seen my profile. This helps to determine the recognition of my account. Additionally, the Premium search to search out anybody is superior.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Subhendu Kumar S.
Moreover, superior analytics on content material efficiency, engagement, and impressions may also help you refine your LinkedIn content material technique. By understanding viewers engagement, you’ll be able to tailor your posts to construct a stronger private model and thought management. Personally, I’ve used this function to pinpoint which posts resonate with my viewers and modify my content material for max affect.
Content material Analytics on LinkedIn Premium
3. Applicant insights for smarter job purposes
Amongst all of the Premium options, Applicant Insights is a favourite of mine when making use of for positions. With this, for each job posting you take a look at, you get to see:
- In-demand expertise evaluation: See precisely which expertise recruiters are prioritizing, how your profile stacks up, and what you’re lacking. It performs an enormous function in tailoring your profile and resume accordingly.
- Candidate comparability metrics: Perceive the way you evaluate in opposition to different candidates by way of expertise, schooling, and talent match.
- Actual-time utility information: Observe your place within the applicant queue and the entire variety of purposes.
- Firm perception: Entry detailed details about firm progress and hiring traits to make knowledgeable selections.
I used this function extensively whereas making use of for positions because it gave me essential visibility into the place I stood in opposition to different candidates and adjusted my strategy to job purposes. For instance, once I found I used to be lacking a important talent that high candidates had for a place, I paused to upskill earlier than making use of.
Applicant insights with LinkedIn premium
In one other case, the place I noticed tons of of candidates had already utilized, I used InMail to contact the hiring supervisor instantly for a quicker response.
Applicant insights with LinkedIn premium
These insights show you how to prioritize which roles to pursue and when to speculate additional effort.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The perfect half (of LinkedIn Premium) is earlier than you apply for a job, you’ll be able to determine the place you stand and what number of candidates utilized for the job. Additionally, you’ll be able to match your expertise as per job necessities and different candidates.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Ankit J.
4. LinkedIn Studying for upskilling
LinkedIn Studying is without doubt one of the favourite options amongst many Premium customers, together with me. The platform has over 22,000 expert-led programs, with new ones added each week. They cowl a variety of matters and expertise throughout industries.
Programs on LinkedIn Studying
The self-paced studying format makes it straightforward to upskill by yourself schedule. You possibly can select particular person programs based mostly in your pursuits or profession objectives and even observe a structured studying path tailor-made to a particular function – no matter fits your type.
Finishing LinkedIn Studying programs enhances your resume and offers your profile knowledgeable increase when shared immediately together with your community. It’s excellent for each job seekers seeking to strengthen their {qualifications} and professionals aiming to remain forward of their fields.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The perfect factor about LinkedIn Premium for me was studying from an enormous library of programs. It helped me achieve new expertise and enhance those I already had.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Mohammed Naieem B.
5. AI assistants for productiveness
A serious benefit that comes with the Premium plans is the generative AI-powered instruments. These sensible assistants assist with nearly every little thing – from drafting outreach messages to fine-tuning your LinkedIn profile and your job purposes. You possibly can even use the AI device to spruce up the profile introduction part.
AI assistant on LinkedIn Premium
I recurrently use LinkedIn’s AI assistant to draft my posts and personalize InMail messages and connection requests. The little perk? It saves me invaluable time and nonetheless maintains knowledgeable contact.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I like the truth that I can see the analytics of LinkedIn, and the instruments are very helpful. Having an AI take a look at my profile and recommend adjustments can be very helpful.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Jordan C.
6. Superior seek for focused connections
The ultimate and most sensible function of the Premium plan most customers respect is the strong search filters for locating job alternatives, folks, and corporations.
Not like the essential search obtainable within the free model, Premium’s superior filters allow you to slim down your search with exact standards. Take, for instance, the filters to search out folks. You possibly can specify connections, places, corporations, key phrases, job titles, previous corporations, colleges, industries, and providers. You possibly can even discover folks based mostly on who they observe and connect with.
Superior search with LinkedIn Premium
For job seekers, this implies pinpointing roles at particular corporations and even figuring out key decision-makers to succeed in out to. Professionals centered on networking, like gross sales and advertising, discover it significantly helpful for figuring out prospects and warming up chilly outreach.
What are G2 customers saying:
“LinkedIn has helped optimize our search functionality. We’re a vertically aligned gross sales unit, so having the ability to search each firm and individual on vertical alignment eases our search. The superior search allows us to go that degree deeper and discover extra prospects in every account. The premium factor unlocks further profiles and data which we’re ready to make use of to ‘heat’ chilly gross sales approaches and calls.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Harry C.
Different LinkedIn Premium options you shouldn’t overlook:
- Limitless folks shopping: View limitless profiles past your community to broaden your connections.
- Open profile: Let anybody message you at no cost, even exterior your community, growing your probabilities of significant connections.
- Personal shopping: Not like free accounts, which permit restricted personal shopping, Premium allows you to keep fully discreet whereas permitting you to see who considered your profile.
- Interview preparation device: Follow with generally requested interview questions and pattern solutions offered by trade professionals.
- LinkedIn Premium badge: Show the gold Premium badge in your profile, signaling to others that you just’re severe about networking {and professional} progress.
LinkedIn Premium cons: What G2 customers dislike
Let’s steadiness the scales right here – whereas Premium affords many helpful options, there are some legitimate frustrations. Listed below are the commonest ache factors:
1. Pricing
At about $30 a month, LinkedIn Premium subscription is seen as costly by some customers, particularly those that don’t make the most of all of the options recurrently. Whereas its options can present clear benefits for customers actively job looking, networking, or upskilling, the worth might not justify the worth for rare customers. College students and freshers coming into the job market additionally discover the worth burdensome, given their restricted budgets and early profession priorities.
What are G2 customers saying:
“One disadvantage of LinkedIn Premium may very well be the fee related to the subscription, particularly for people who might not make the most of all of the premium options recurrently. Moreover, whereas the improved options are helpful, some customers may discover the platform’s interface a bit cluttered or overwhelming in comparison with the essential model.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Gie Marie G.
2. Restricted InMail credit
Though InMail messaging is considered one of Premium’s signature options, the month-to-month credit score restrict of 5 InMails for the Premium Profession plan is restrictive for customers who regularly depend on it for outreach. This is without doubt one of the most typical gripes amongst customers, be they job seekers or professionals.
What are G2 customers saying:
“The variety of in-mail credit offered is way much less given the worth of the LinkedIn premium.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Kritarth M.
3. Spammy messages and commercials
One other recurring criticism from LinkedIn Premium customers is the presence of commercials and spam-like content material of their feeds. Many customers count on a cleaner, extra centered expertise as Premium members, however the presence of irrelevant updates and promotional materials usually detracts from LinkedIn’s skilled enchantment.
What are G2 customers saying:
“I do method too many hides of spammy materials within the normal replace part. I believe as a premium person, it could be higher that we’re not spammed by promoting.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Mark D.
4. No assured outcomes
Whereas LinkedIn Premium offers instruments to boost visibility and networking, options like InMail and profile insights don’t all the time assure tangible outcomes, similar to job affords or significant connections. This may be irritating for customers who count on a better return on their funding.
It’s vital to acknowledge that these instruments are facilitators, however success in the end is determined by components like how you utilize them and exterior circumstances, similar to market competitors or recipient engagement.
What are G2 customers saying:
“Even when I do know who considered my profile web page and despatched Inmails, all this does not cease ghosting.”
– LinkedIn Premium Assessment, Amit C.
Setting practical expectations is vital to taking advantage of LinkedIn Premium. It’s a platform that opens doorways however doesn’t stroll you thru them.
Prime 5 LinkedIn options:
Listed below are the highest LinkedIn Premium options instructed by G2 customers:
Whereas these aren’t solely centered on skilled networking, they supply areas for communities and discussions that assist with trade insights, model constructing, {and professional} connections in inventive methods.
Continuously requested questions (FAQs) about LinkedIn Premium plans
Q. Methods to get LinkedIn Premium at no cost?
LinkedIn affords a 30-day free trial for all its Premium plans, permitting you to discover the options earlier than committing. To activate the trial, it’s essential present your bank card particulars however be charged if canceled earlier than the trial interval ends. Take into account that the free trial can solely be used as soon as each 12 months.
Q. How a lot does LinkedIn Premium value?
The price of LinkedIn Premium varies based mostly on the plan you select. The most affordable and best suited plan for professionals and job seekers is the LinkedIn Premium Profession. It prices $29.99 for a month-to-month plan or $239.88 ($19.99 per 30 days) for an annual plan.
Q. Is there a LinkedIn Premium low cost?
LinkedIn doesn’t regularly provide reductions, however it can save you considerably by choosing an annual subscription, which reduces the month-to-month value by 20–25% in comparison with the month-to-month plan. Sometimes, LinkedIn might run promotional campaigns, so preserve a watch out for these.
Q. How to join LinkedIn Premium?
To join LinkedIn Premium, observe these steps:
- Log in to your LinkedIn account: Entry your LinkedIn profile utilizing your credentials.
- Navigate to Premium: Click on on the “Attempt Premium for Free” button, sometimes situated in your LinkedIn homepage or profile. Choose the one which aligns together with your skilled wants.
- Begin a free trial: LinkedIn affords a 30-day free trial for brand spanking new Premium customers. Click on on “Begin my free month” to provoke the trial. Present your credit score or debit card particulars to activate the trial. You will not be charged in case you cancel earlier than the trial interval ends.
For those who determine to not proceed with the subscription, bear in mind to cancel earlier than the trial interval ends to keep away from any expenses.
Q. Methods to cancel LinkedIn Premium?
To cancel LinkedIn Premium:
- Go to Settings & Privateness in your LinkedIn profile.
- Navigate to Subscriptions & Funds.
- Choose Handle Premium Subscription and select Cancel Subscription.
You’ll retain entry to Premium options till the top of your billing cycle, even after cancellation.
Q. Does LinkedIn Premium take away adverts?
No, LinkedIn Premium doesn’t take away adverts from the platform. Customers, together with Premium subscribers, nonetheless see sponsored content material and commercials of their feeds.
Q. Can I change between LinkedIn Premium plans?
Sure, you’ll be able to change between Premium plans at any time. Go to your Settings & Privateness, choose Subscriptions & Funds, and select the plan you need to change to. Your billing will modify accordingly.
Q. How does LinkedIn Premium differ from Gross sales Navigator?
LinkedIn Premium and Gross sales Navigator cater to totally different skilled wants: LinkedIn Premium and Gross sales Navigator serve distinct functions:
- LinkedIn Premium aids job seekers, professionals, and networkers with instruments like InMail, Applicant Insights, and LinkedIn Studying.
- Gross sales Navigator helps gross sales professionals with superior lead filters, CRM integration, and prospect monitoring instruments.
The ultimate verdict: Premium or cross?
Primarily based on my expertise and insights from G2 evaluations, LinkedIn Premium undoubtedly elevates your job search, networking, and private branding efforts. Options like InMail, Applicant Insights, LinkedIn Studying, and superior profile analytics are undeniably invaluable in case you actively interact with the platform.
That stated, it’s not a one-size-fits-all resolution. The subscription value makes it much less interesting for some customers. InMail messaging and profile insights require effort and technique to yield tangible outcomes, which can go away some feeling the return on funding isn’t all the time instant.
For those who’re actively job looking, constructing a robust skilled model, or aiming to develop your community strategically, Premium generally is a worthwhile funding. However, in case you solely use LinkedIn sometimes or don’t want its superior options, the free model could be sufficient on your wants.
Nonetheless undecided? Bear in mind, you’ll be able to all the time attempt LinkedIn Premium at no cost. Ultimately, LinkedIn Premium is a device that works greatest when paired with a transparent technique and constant effort. Weigh the advantages in opposition to your objectives to determine if it’s the suitable match for you.
Trying to make use of LinkedIn for your corporation? Be taught how you can create your LinkedIn Enterprise Web page in 4 straightforward steps.
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